Gazprom Neft reserves at Eastern Siberia Chonsky fields up by almost 60 percent

5 march 2015

Gazprom Neft has significantly increased reserves in Eastern Siberia. On the basis of geological prospecting works undertaken in 2014, recoverable C1 and C2 reserves are now estimated at 78.58 million tonnes (an increase of 58.9 percent) and gas reserves at 33.8 billion cubic metres (an increase of 13.8 percent). As a result, total reserves across all Chonsky project fields are now estimated at 212.5 million tonnes of C1 and C2 reserves, and 278.3 billion cubic metres of gas (C1 and C2): all of which have been fully endorsed by the State Reserves Committee Gazprom Neft reserves in Eastern Siberia.

The Gazprom Neft Chonsky project covers three fields – the Ignyalinsky, Tympuchikansky and Vakunaysky fields, located on the border between the Irkutsk Oblast and the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). In 2014 specialists from Gazpromneft-Angara (the licence holder) completed the full interpretation of seismic data, undertaken on the basis of innovative UniQ technology. High-density and high-frequency seismic data – 16 times more informative than that obtained under typical seismic operations – allowed the structure to be detailed in full (including the bedding of the strata, and its geomorphological characteristics), as well as allowing fully clarification of the geological model of the field.

Active geological prospecting at the Chonsky field was first initiated three years ago. Nine prospecting and exploratory wells have been drilled throughout the fields of the Chonsky project, five of them in 2014. 3D seismic operations (in the order of 1,700 square kilometres, including 950 square kilometres of UniQ high-density seismic and electro-prospecting works in the order of 1,700 kilometres) have been undertaken, making these the most extensive operations not just in Eastern Siberia but also the world, thanks to the record number of transmitting antennae and signal receptors utilised. A further 600 square kilometres of UniQ high-density seismic, as well as 450 square meters of 3D seismic investigations are planned for 2015, as well as four exploration wells – one at the Vakunayisky and Ignyalinsky fields, and two at the Tympuchikansky field. Hydraulic fracturing is planned at three of these wells.